Kinds of Back Pain and Answers to Them

Thousands of individuals this very moment are afflicted by back pain. It is among the most common of health ailments, and in some parts of the developed world the number one most popular reason given by patients for visiting their physician. As the populations of industrialized nations get older and physically larger, back pain is going to continue growing. This article discusses some of the facets of back pain.

Perhaps the most common type of back pain is that of the lower back. Upper back pain is probably the next most common, although it is less severe in intensity and impact, as it is usually shoulder related. Low back pain can have origins anywhere from the toes up through the abdominal muscles. It is very difficult to live with and treat.

A growing segment of the population has back pain, and for many reasons. The predominant factors are sedentary lifestyles and obesity rates. Other causes that contribute mightily to back pain include, but are not limited to, improper footware, bad posture, excessive amounts of time sitting or standing, inadequate support from chairs or mattresses and even stress.

Surgery is sometimes needed to relieve or cure back pain. However, surgery is probably done for back pain more than is actually needed. A number of patients undergo surgery before going through all the nonsurgical options present.

There are medications available for those with back pain. A simple search through your closest health retailer or pharmacy section will yield a number of options for over the counter pain medication, some general, some specific for back trouble. Your doctor can give you prescriptions for stronger options.

Chiropractic work is sometimes contested as far as its effectiveness. Also, the financial coverage of it by medical insurance plans varies, so check your plan details. Some patients report incredible relief of their conditions thanks to a chiropractor, whereas others indicate no results and even frustration. Given the relatively benign nature of the practice though, it is worth considering if you are in pain and hoping to avoid surgery.

Massage work is tremendously effective for back pain. A well trained and practiced massage therapist doing a long full body session can often find the tension within your body that is causing the back pain, even if it is down in your hips, legs or feet. While it will likely take more than one session to fix you, and continued work will be needed to keep the benefits, the right massage schedule can mean a life free of pain.

Exercise has many advantages when it comes to back pain. Any workout regimen that incorporates a combination of stretching, cardio and resistance training might just cure your back pain. Active muscles are less likely to tense up and injure, and any weight loss helps.

Some sufferers of back pain wonder if it lasts forever. The answer is yes, it can last forever, if you let it.

Every kind of back pain that exists has its own source, symptoms and problems. Where an effective treatment might exist for one kind, it may not work for another. Use the ideas and information in this article to identify your kind of pain so you can regain control over your life.

Kinds of Back Pain and Answers to Them was last modified: November 25th, 2013 by Peter Larsen